An Emergency Action Plan helps coaches develop a winning plan to save lives. Be prepared for
An Emergency Action Plan helps coaches develop a winning plan to save lives. Be prepared for potential emergencies.
An Emergency Action Plan is a written plan that every program and facility should have to prepare for potential emergencies.
Certain types of emergencies, such as natural disasters, are more likely in some locations than in others. Emergencies, however,
can occur anywhere.
In addition to injuries, emergencies can result from fire, violent winds, tornadoes, and lightning. The facility's Emergency Action Plan
should address all relevant categories of emergencies. Such plans should define the responsibilities of everyone who may be
involved.
It is important that each person knows what to do in the event of an emergency. Just as the team practices their plays on the field,
the coaching staff should practice putting the Emergency Action Plan in motion.
WHAT COACHES SHOULD KNOW




An Emergency Action Plan is a written plan that every program and facility should have in case of emergency.
Emergency Action Plans should define the responsibilities of everyone who may be involved
An Emergency Action Plan should include the layout of the building, equipment that can be used in an emergency,
support personnel and staff responsibilities, communication methods, and follow-up methods.
The coaching staff should practice the Emergency Action Plan so that everyone knows what to do in the event of an
emergency.
SAMPLE CONTENTS OF AN EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN
Layout





Support Personnel Within Facility
EMS personnel access and entry/exit routes
Location of rescue and first aid equipment
Location of telephones with emergency telephone
numbers posted
Location of keys to reach telephones or equipment
Exits and evacuation routes
Equipment



Rescue equipment
First aid supplies
Emergency equipment (flashlights, fire
extinguishers, etc.)
External Support
(provide telephone numbers)









EMS personnel
Police
Fire
Hazardous materials (HazMat) team
Poison Control Center
Hospitals
Power and gas companies
Health department
Weather bureau
Communication




How and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency
number
Chain of command
Person to contact-parents or guardians
Person to deal with media










Coaches
Athletic trainers
Athletic officials and referees
Facility administrators
Management personnel
Teachers
School nurse/physician
Athletic Director
Clerical personnel
Maintenance personnel
External Support (provide telephone numbers)









EMS personnel
Police
Fire
Hazardous materials (HazMat) team
Poison Control Center
Hospitals
Power and gas companies
Health department
Weather bureau
Staff Responsibilities (Assign each staff member a
duty)




Person to provide care
Person to control bystanders and supervise other
athletes
Person to meet EMS personnel
Person to transport injured athlete when appropriate
Follow-up






Complete appropriate documentation (incident report,
accident report, etc.)
Replace equipment and supplies
Emergency Action Plan evaluation
Staff debriefing
Critical Incident Stress debriefing (if necessary)
Check on condition of injured athlete